Gangubai Hanagal: The legendary singer is no more

Hubli, July 21 (PTI) Legendary Hindustani classical
vocalist Gangubai Hanagal, a widely acclaimed exponent of
'Kirana Gharana' school of music, died here Tuesday aged 97,
bringing down the curtains on a six-decade-long career.

Gangubai, who defied bone cancer that afflicted her in
2002 to continue her music journey, was on treatment at a
hospital here since Thursday last week and breathed her last
Tuesday morning here in India's southern state of Karnataka,
plunging countless connoisseurs of Hindustani music and
disciples into grief.

Gangubai, who was suffering from chest congestion and
anemia for some time, had returned home on July 12 only to be
readmitted to the hospital two days later. She was put on life
support since Monday night when her condition became critical,
hospital sources said.

"The end came at 7.10 am," said Manoj Hanagal,
grandson of Gangubai, who is survived by two sons.

Winner of several honours, including Padma Vibushan,
Padma Shri and Tansen Awards, Gangubai, born into fishermen
community in 1913 in Dharwad, had inherited liking to music in
her genes since her mother was a musician.

Impressed by the keen interest Gangubai showed in
music, her mother ensured that she received the best of
training in Hindustani classical music.

Gangubai was taunted by casteist remarks when her
uncle used to escort her to nearby Kundagol to learn music
when she was 16, but the determined girl ignored them and
continued her pursuit of music to reach the pinnacle of
success.

"My guruji taught us to use surs like a miser parting
with his money -- a forceful subtle movement so that the
listener understood the importance of placement of each note
of the raga," Gangubai had once said, recounting the teaching
of her Guru Sawai Gandharva.

Gangubai, who learnt music along with Bharat Ratna
recipient Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, considered to be the foremost
representative of Kirana school of music, was revered in the
music circles by luminaries, including Kishori Amonkar, Prabha
Atre and Lata Mangeshkar.

Her daughter Krishna Hanagal, who was trained by her
in classical music, passed away, dealing a major emotional
blow to Gangubai.

After recovering from cancer, Gangubai gave a concert
to a select audience and had not only been performing since
then, but also teaching music to her disciples who came from
as far as Mumbai and Sangli in Maharastra.

Karnataka Government declared a two-day mourning in
honour of the state's musical genius and announced that the
cremation will be performed with full state honours.

Considering Gangubai's achievements and her
contribution to the field of music, members in the state
legislature pressed the state government to urge the Centre to
confer on her the country's highest civilian honour Bharata
Ratna.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said a statue of the
singer would be installed in Hubli and her residence
transformed into a seat of Hindustani classical music
learning.

The Karnataka Government was also mulling to set up a
national award in honour of Gangubai, Minister for Law S
Suresh Kumar announced in the assembly.

The House adjourned for the day without transacting
any business as a mark of respect to the veteran vocalist.

Streams of people queued up at the Indira Glass House
where Gangubai's body was lying in state to facilitate people
pay their last respects.

A holiday was declared for schools and colleges in the
twin-cities of Hubli-Dharwad tomorrow. PTI COR
pmr
NNNN





The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive
use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged
information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please
notify the sender immediately and destroy
all copies of this message and any attachments contained in it.